The art of SKINIMALISM
Streamline your daily routine for total skin confidence
Say goodbye to 12-step skincare rituals, complete with an endless list of acronyms from AHAS to BB creams. Instead, insiders are embracing a less-is-more approach. Here’s everything you need to know about the philosophy behind beauty’s current buzzword.
WHAT IS IT?
Skinimalism (short for skin minimalism) is about going back to basics with our daily regimes. Instead of bombarding our complexions with a mix of ingredients, which can cause irritation and breakouts, people are giving their skin a break by using fewer products but with greater consistency. This minimal approach also taps into the move towards more conscious consumerism and, even better, it allows your natural skin texture to shine through.
WHERE DID THE TREND COME FROM?
It’s no surprise the pandemic played a part in this switch to more pared-back routines, with lockdown seeing many of us ditching our usual make-up in favour of bare skin. The trend also takes inspiration from Japanese beauty ideals, which prioritise healthy, glowing complexions and prize simplicity. Japan’s bestselling skincare brand, Hada Labo Tokyo, is based on these principles, and its range of products is a perfect example of the country’s lifestyle philosophy. Designed to be used as part of a tailored routine, each is packed with a variety of hyaluronic acids for maximum hydration.
HOW DO YOU GET STARTED?
Key to this movement is sticking to a core range of products and using them consistently. Start with a cleanser – choose milky formulas for dry skin and foaming cleansers for oily complexions. Then use a targeted product containing active ingredients – one packed full of hyaluronic acid will add an instant boost of hydration. Seal in the benefits with a moisturiser – again, choosing a formula that is targeted to your specific skin type – and finish with SPF30 or higher. In the evening, simply leave out the SPF and swap your moisturiser for a more intense nighttime formula.
WHAT ABOUT OUR MAKE-UP BAGS?
Skinimalism means prioritising a smooth, hydrated complexion above piling on the cosmetics. Wearing lighter foundations and fewer layers of make-up also allows the skin to breathe. As a result of this shift, we have seen the emergence of hybrid skincare/ make-up products, such as tinted serums, moisturising primers and pearlised eye treatments, designed to offer our skin the best of both worlds.
Streamline your skincare routine with the Hada Labo Tokyo range, available at Superdrug and amazon.co.uk